World Breastfeeding Week

World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is an annual celebration held every year from August 1 to August 7 in more than 120 countries. The event is organized by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. The primary goal of World Breastfeeding Week is to promote exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, which yields tremendous health benefits, providing critical nutrients, protection from deadly diseases such as pneumonia, and fostering growth and development.

History

World Breastfeeding Week was first celebrated in 1992 by WABA. The initiative was launched to commemorate the Innocenti Declaration made by WHO and UNICEF in August 1990 to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. Since then, WBW has grown into a global movement to raise awareness and galvanize action on breastfeeding issues.

Objectives

The objectives of World Breastfeeding Week are:

• To inform people about the links between breastfeeding and good nutrition, food security, and poverty reduction.
• To anchor breastfeeding as part of good nutrition, food security, and poverty reduction strategies.
• To engage with individuals and organizations for greater impact.
• To galvanize action to advance breastfeeding as a part of good nutrition, food security, and poverty reduction.

Themes

Each year, World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated with a specific theme to address different aspects of breastfeeding. Some of the past themes include:

• 2016: "Breastfeeding: A Key to Sustainable Development"
• 2017: "Sustaining Breastfeeding Together"
• 2018: "Breastfeeding: Foundation of Life"
• 2019: "Empower Parents, Enable Breastfeeding"
• 2020: "Support breastfeeding for a healthier planet"
• 2021: "Protect Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility"
• 2022: "Step Up for Breastfeeding: Educate and Support"

Activities

During World Breastfeeding Week, various activities are organized worldwide, including:

• Educational workshops and seminars
• Public awareness campaigns
• Health fairs and exhibitions
• Media campaigns and social media activities
• Support group meetings for breastfeeding mothers
• Policy advocacy and lobbying efforts

Importance

Breastfeeding is crucial for the health and well-being of both infants and mothers. It provides essential nutrients and antibodies that help protect infants from common childhood illnesses. Breastfeeding also promotes bonding between mother and child and has long-term health benefits for mothers, including reduced risks of breast and ovarian cancers.

Challenges

Despite the known benefits, many mothers face challenges in breastfeeding, including:

• Lack of support from family and community
• Inadequate maternity leave policies
• Insufficient breastfeeding education and support in healthcare settings
• Marketing of breast milk substitutes

Support and Advocacy

Organizations like WABA, WHO, and UNICEF work tirelessly to support breastfeeding through various initiatives, including:

• Providing breastfeeding education and resources
• Advocating for breastfeeding-friendly policies and practices
• Supporting research on breastfeeding and its benefits
• Promoting the implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes

See also

• Breastfeeding
• Lactation consultant
• Human milk bank
• Baby-friendly hospital initiative
• International Breastfeeding Journal